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Sheriff Bet Rivers #1
All We Buried
For fans of Julia Keller and Sheena Kamal, All We Buried disturbs the long-sleeping secrets of a small Washington state mountain town.
Deep in the woods surrounding the Cascade mountain range, a canvas-wrapped body floats in a lake, right in Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers's jurisdiction. Bet has been sitting as interim sheriff of Collier after her father's--the previous sheriff's--death six months ago. Everyone knows everyone in a town like Collier. She has made it her duty to protect the people she's come to see as family. And she intends to hold her title in the upcoming election, but she's never worked a murder investigation on her own before and her opponent and deputy, Dale Kovac, isn't going down without a fight.
Upon unwrapping the corpse, Bet discovers the woman is from out of town. Without an identification, the case grows that much more puzzling. Determined to prove herself worthy, however, Bet must confront the warped history of Collier. The more she learns, the more she realizes she doesn't know the townspeople of Collier as well as she thought, and nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.
Length: 8 hours 51 minutes
Deep in the woods surrounding the Cascade mountain range, a canvas-wrapped body floats in a lake, right in Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers's jurisdiction. Bet has been sitting as interim sheriff of Collier after her father's--the previous sheriff's--death six months ago. Everyone knows everyone in a town like Collier. She has made it her duty to protect the people she's come to see as family. And she intends to hold her title in the upcoming election, but she's never worked a murder investigation on her own before and her opponent and deputy, Dale Kovac, isn't going down without a fight.
Upon unwrapping the corpse, Bet discovers the woman is from out of town. Without an identification, the case grows that much more puzzling. Determined to prove herself worthy, however, Bet must confront the warped history of Collier. The more she learns, the more she realizes she doesn't know the townspeople of Collier as well as she thought, and nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.
Length: 8 hours 51 minutes
9 pages, Audiobook
First published April 7, 2020
40 people are currently reading
2692 people want to read
About the author
Elena Taylor
5 books397 followersMystery writer, avid reader, animal mom.
Elena Taylor started out her storytelling career in the theater. She worked for several years as a playwright, director, designer, technician, and educator before becoming a novelist.
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, two cats, and the greatest dog in the world. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found at a nearby stables, playing with her horses.
For more information about Elena, please visit www.elenataylorauthor.com.
Elena Taylor started out her storytelling career in the theater. She worked for several years as a playwright, director, designer, technician, and educator before becoming a novelist.
Elena has more than twenty years of teaching experience and now works one-on-one with writers as a manuscript consultant and writing coach.
She lives in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, two cats, and the greatest dog in the world. When she’s not writing, teaching writing, or talking about writing, she can be found at a nearby stables, playing with her horses.
For more information about Elena, please visit www.elenataylorauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
March 5, 2025
4.25 YOU GUYS THIS IS SO UNDERRATED! Small town investigative murder mystery!!! Interconnected family drama and wild secrets. First book in a series with the second book coming out in August. You gotta check it out!!!
Full thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
Full thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
September 22, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
ALL WE BURIED: A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery (A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Book #1) by Elena Taylor is a well written and paced, atmospheric small town Sheriff/police procedural mystery debut.
Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers has returned home to Collier from L.A. to her small hometown in the mountains of Washington state to follow in her father’s footsteps as Sheriff. Currently the interim Sheriff, she is not certain she wants to stay even as she runs for election against her father’s deputy.
A Washington State professor is studying the dead glacial lake by the abandoned coal mine outside of Collier when he discovers a canvas wrapped body floating in the lake. Bet has never handled a murder investigation, but she is determined to solve this one to prove her worth to the people of her town and herself. This murder is eerily reminiscent of a terrifying dream Bet has had for nearly nineteen years. Was it a dream or a memory she would rather forget?
As Bet digs deeper into the disturbing history around her hometown, two hometown sons have returned at the same time the body turns up. The more Bet digs, the more she learns that she does not know the town people of Collier as well as she believed and she may be the next victim of the dead lake and the ghosts of the old mine.
This is a wonderful mystery read that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I would never have expected a debut to be able to pull me in to not only the mystery and characters, but also the landscape and ecology of the small Cascade mountain town and lake. Bet is a wonderful new lead character that I am looking forward to following into the future. She is realistic and relatable as are the secondary characters. The mysteries from the past and the present are intertwined and paced perfectly in my opinion.
I highly recommend this debut and first in a series mystery!
ALL WE BURIED: A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery (A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Book #1) by Elena Taylor is a well written and paced, atmospheric small town Sheriff/police procedural mystery debut.
Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers has returned home to Collier from L.A. to her small hometown in the mountains of Washington state to follow in her father’s footsteps as Sheriff. Currently the interim Sheriff, she is not certain she wants to stay even as she runs for election against her father’s deputy.
A Washington State professor is studying the dead glacial lake by the abandoned coal mine outside of Collier when he discovers a canvas wrapped body floating in the lake. Bet has never handled a murder investigation, but she is determined to solve this one to prove her worth to the people of her town and herself. This murder is eerily reminiscent of a terrifying dream Bet has had for nearly nineteen years. Was it a dream or a memory she would rather forget?
As Bet digs deeper into the disturbing history around her hometown, two hometown sons have returned at the same time the body turns up. The more Bet digs, the more she learns that she does not know the town people of Collier as well as she believed and she may be the next victim of the dead lake and the ghosts of the old mine.
This is a wonderful mystery read that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I would never have expected a debut to be able to pull me in to not only the mystery and characters, but also the landscape and ecology of the small Cascade mountain town and lake. Bet is a wonderful new lead character that I am looking forward to following into the future. She is realistic and relatable as are the secondary characters. The mysteries from the past and the present are intertwined and paced perfectly in my opinion.
I highly recommend this debut and first in a series mystery!
January 14, 2020
All We Buried is a very well crafted book, and a great mystery.
Having been recalled by her sick father from her job in the LAPD to take his place as interim sheriff, Bet Rivers found herself in charge of the little town of Collier when her father finally passed away, carrying the torch that has always belonged to the Rivers family.
Six months into her position, a body wrapped in canvas is found floating on the town deep lake, near the abandoned coal mine Collier was built around. That’s how Sheriff Elizabeth Rivers very first homicide investigation begins.
The first part of the book is purposely slow paced. Elena Taylor lets us accustom ourselves to the town of Collier, its history, the families that founded it (the Colliers, proprietors of the mine being the prominent one), and the current inhabitants, descendants of those families and of the migrants brought to work the mine.
This lengthy introduction is essential. It allows us to easily remember each protagonist and their history for the remainder of the book. As, of course, old families mean many old secrets, and not so old secrets as well.
The pace picks up in the second part of the book as the investigation goes forward and clues and leads begin to appear. The reader is kept on edge, the motivations of many characters often appearing unclear, or even dubious. Many questions arise and tension builds. A whole part of the century old history of the town is then slowly revealed as the various plot points converge towards the solving of the initial murder, and of all the other mysteries, small and big, that were introduced along the way.
By the end of the book, we’re well acquainted with the main characters and the little atmospheric town. Enough to warrant a return trip.
As the book is subtitled « A sheriff Bet Rivers mystery », it seems author Elena Taylor fortunately intends to bring us back to it. Let’s hope it won’t only be for more murders, or Collier, with its thousand citizens, will quickly beat Cabot Cove’s homicide rate.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.
Having been recalled by her sick father from her job in the LAPD to take his place as interim sheriff, Bet Rivers found herself in charge of the little town of Collier when her father finally passed away, carrying the torch that has always belonged to the Rivers family.
Six months into her position, a body wrapped in canvas is found floating on the town deep lake, near the abandoned coal mine Collier was built around. That’s how Sheriff Elizabeth Rivers very first homicide investigation begins.
The first part of the book is purposely slow paced. Elena Taylor lets us accustom ourselves to the town of Collier, its history, the families that founded it (the Colliers, proprietors of the mine being the prominent one), and the current inhabitants, descendants of those families and of the migrants brought to work the mine.
This lengthy introduction is essential. It allows us to easily remember each protagonist and their history for the remainder of the book. As, of course, old families mean many old secrets, and not so old secrets as well.
The pace picks up in the second part of the book as the investigation goes forward and clues and leads begin to appear. The reader is kept on edge, the motivations of many characters often appearing unclear, or even dubious. Many questions arise and tension builds. A whole part of the century old history of the town is then slowly revealed as the various plot points converge towards the solving of the initial murder, and of all the other mysteries, small and big, that were introduced along the way.
By the end of the book, we’re well acquainted with the main characters and the little atmospheric town. Enough to warrant a return trip.
As the book is subtitled « A sheriff Bet Rivers mystery », it seems author Elena Taylor fortunately intends to bring us back to it. Let’s hope it won’t only be for more murders, or Collier, with its thousand citizens, will quickly beat Cabot Cove’s homicide rate.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.
April 17, 2020
When Elizabeth (Bet) Rivers returns to a small town in Washington, it is because her father has passed away. He had been the sheriff there for many years and his last wish was she come home and fill in for him. She gave up her job as a law enforcement officer in Los Angeles, but now has second thoughts about staying in Washington, as she is up for election soon.
She feels a lot of pressure, knowing the townspeople are comparing her to her father ..and her deputy is resentful since he thought the job would go to him. And just to rub it in, he's running for sheriff against her.
When a body is found floating in Lake Collier, she investigates only to find that no one seems to know who the victim is. Determined to prove herself worthy, however, Bet must confront the warped history of Collier. The more she learns, the more she realizes she doesn't know the townspeople of Collier as well as she thought, and nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.
This well written crime fiction is filled with suspense from the very first page. Bet is a terrific character.... she has her issues, but she's feisty and determined to show what she's made of. There are twists and turns that lead to an unexpected conclusion. Hopefully, this will not be the last we see of Bet.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of ALL WE BURIED. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 18, 2020
A fun police procedural where the main character Bet was the sheriff of a small town where a wrapped body in the river was found. With absolutely no leads, it took the determination of Bet to get to the killer.
The first half was slow as the author laid down the foundation of the story, then it picked up pace as investigation started in earnest. A few twists, some secrets, and old history of the town raised the suspense of the story. Overall, a fun read.
The first half was slow as the author laid down the foundation of the story, then it picked up pace as investigation started in earnest. A few twists, some secrets, and old history of the town raised the suspense of the story. Overall, a fun read.
April 18, 2020
4.5 stars
All We Buried is the best mystery I’ve read so far this year – richly atmospheric from start to finish, layered, and a bit haunting. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging, and there was more than one moment when I wasn’t sure who to trust other than Bet herself. And Schweitzer the dog, too, of course, who wins the honor of being one of my favorite dogs in fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing him in future books of the series nearly as much as I am Bet and all the ‘good guy’ characters (including some of the initially iffy ones) in this first installment.
The mystery in All We Buried is also very multi-dimensional, and Taylor reveals it a layer or two at a time. Never too hurried. Never too slow. Just the right amount of pacing to keep us turning the pages and completely locked into the story. And I have to confess that the plot took me by surprise more than once, and not many books do that. Absolutely stellar writing that left me sitting in stunned silence for a moment near the end.
Bottom Line: All We Buried has more of a traditional mystery feel than cozy, though there are elements of the latter as well, and I loved it! The town of Collier – particularly the lake – is as much a secondary character as the actual residents, and the rich details put readers right in the middle of it. Taylor skillfully sets the pace to allow us to become acquainted with the town, the people, and the deep-rooted mysteries coming to the surface. A fabulous read from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
All We Buried is the best mystery I’ve read so far this year – richly atmospheric from start to finish, layered, and a bit haunting. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging, and there was more than one moment when I wasn’t sure who to trust other than Bet herself. And Schweitzer the dog, too, of course, who wins the honor of being one of my favorite dogs in fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing him in future books of the series nearly as much as I am Bet and all the ‘good guy’ characters (including some of the initially iffy ones) in this first installment.
The mystery in All We Buried is also very multi-dimensional, and Taylor reveals it a layer or two at a time. Never too hurried. Never too slow. Just the right amount of pacing to keep us turning the pages and completely locked into the story. And I have to confess that the plot took me by surprise more than once, and not many books do that. Absolutely stellar writing that left me sitting in stunned silence for a moment near the end.
Bottom Line: All We Buried has more of a traditional mystery feel than cozy, though there are elements of the latter as well, and I loved it! The town of Collier – particularly the lake – is as much a secondary character as the actual residents, and the rich details put readers right in the middle of it. Taylor skillfully sets the pace to allow us to become acquainted with the town, the people, and the deep-rooted mysteries coming to the surface. A fabulous read from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 4, 2020
Bet Rivers grew-up in a family of sheriffs for the small town of Collier, WA. Expecting to one day step into the family tradition, Bet becomes a cop in LA to gain experience and a name for herself. However, her plans are rushed when her dad calls her home to take over for him as sheriff as he faces a cancer diagnosis. When he dies in a hiking accident, Bet is now the Sheriff for the remainder of her dad's term and faces an election In which she'll run against one of her deputy's. The discovery of a young woman's body in the town lake ignites a murder investigation that also triggers a long suppressed memory Bet has of witnessing the disposal of another body in the lake during her childhood. The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader guessing, as Taylor introduces a cast of memorable characters and fleshes out the main character. The book closes with a "to be continued" feeling, and I look forward to the next Sheriff Bet Rivers book.
January 1, 2020
This was a pretty good story, focused on Elizabeth ("Bet"), who takes over as interim sheriff in a small town in Eastern WA after her father and predecessor, Earle, passes away. She is undecided on whether she really wants to stay there and run for the office of Sheriff or go back to LA to chase her dreams there, when a murder occurs that gets her deep into secrets held by the residents of the town.
I thought this was an exciting story and it gave me good imagery of the lake and the mine, which were really fascinating. There were also a couple times where I thought something was missed or misspoken, but the author went back to it and tied up all of those loose ends as part of the story.
The only thing I didn't really like is that there were SO MANY characters, some with similar names, that it just got confusing. I found myself having to either page back to remember how characters were related to each other, or break from the story and remind myself how everyone fit together before continuing. I think this would have been an equally effective story with less characters, and/or more thought put into similarity between names.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and assume its part of a series- I expect that I will read the next one (and I'll already know all the characters by then). Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was an exciting story and it gave me good imagery of the lake and the mine, which were really fascinating. There were also a couple times where I thought something was missed or misspoken, but the author went back to it and tied up all of those loose ends as part of the story.
The only thing I didn't really like is that there were SO MANY characters, some with similar names, that it just got confusing. I found myself having to either page back to remember how characters were related to each other, or break from the story and remind myself how everyone fit together before continuing. I think this would have been an equally effective story with less characters, and/or more thought put into similarity between names.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and assume its part of a series- I expect that I will read the next one (and I'll already know all the characters by then). Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2020
This book tells what I assume is the first story of sheriff Bet Rivers. She takes over as interim Sheriff after her dad’s death. She always expected to come back to her small town after a glorious career at the LA PD, but her dad’s decease made her change plans. She is immediately faced with some challenges and a weird case.
The book has many characters but I never find it confusing. Sometimes it seems like a story gets told about half way, only for the writer to come back to it later on. I knew pretty early on who the perp was, but the writing style and story twists had me second guessing myself multiple times. I really liked this book. If this really is the first book in a series I’d be happy to read the next one.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
The book has many characters but I never find it confusing. Sometimes it seems like a story gets told about half way, only for the writer to come back to it later on. I knew pretty early on who the perp was, but the writing style and story twists had me second guessing myself multiple times. I really liked this book. If this really is the first book in a series I’d be happy to read the next one.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2020
This is one of those books that I forced myself to read slower because I didn't want to leave the story. I was instantly hooked with the characters and the gorgeous setting. The author does an amazing job of painting the scenery - I felt like I could see the lake and smell the trees. The mystery was awesome - I love that there were past secrets coming to light as the current investigation unfolded. Bet is an easy-to-like character and I am looking forward to more in this series.
I downloaded this book from NetGalley from the publisher. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I downloaded this book from NetGalley from the publisher. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
February 2, 2020
In Elena Taylor’s ALL WE BURIED, Sheriff Elizabeth ‘Bet’ Rivers jumps to life with the familiarity of an old friend, a small-town girl who can ride, shoot, and tell a room full of dangerous men who’s in charge with just a look. When her stint as a police officer in Los Angeles is cut short by her father’s death, Bet returns home to the Pacific Northwest to walk in his shoes as sheriff of Collier, Washington, a move that doesn’t sit well for some in the tight-knit community. Loyalties are tested and family histories collide in the former mining community when Bet’s tasked with the area’s first homicide in years, but the new Sheriff Rivers meets the challenge head-on, even if it means finally dealing with the recurring nightmare she’s questioned her whole life. Written with crisp, evocative prose, Taylor sets the reader deep enough in the woods of cedar and Douglas fir that you can smell the damp leaves or imagine the chill of the dead lake that holds the key to the past. Besides providing a twist-filled mystery with a cast of vivid characters, Taylor dares to break the still waters of memory to take an honest look at the parents who makes us, mistakes, secrets, and all. With the country flavor of Craig Johnson’s Longmire and the no-nonsense drive of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone, Sheriff Bet Rivers may have just arrived, but she’ll be in charge for a long time.
*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 14, 2020
I loved this small town mystery! Bet Rivers has returned to Collier and is currently the interim sheriff following her fathers death, and in a small town where nothing really happens finding a body floating on the lake really puts the sheriff and her team to the test. The body is a Jane Doe and finding out who the woman is proves to be difficult, she has no fingerprints,no ID and she wasn't from the town but I loved how the process of elimination was done, following Bet's process of deduction. The body brings up mysteries from the past, and with Bet's recurring dreams she begins to wonder if they all tie in.
The story was well thought out, executed and gripping, I loved the small town setting and the characters and can't wait to read from this series and author
5 stars
The story was well thought out, executed and gripping, I loved the small town setting and the characters and can't wait to read from this series and author
5 stars
June 5, 2020
I love books with strong settings, and All We Buried is one of those books! Lake Collier is haunting, as are the mysteries weaved throughout the novel. In this small town, the past is never really the past. Although Bet Rivers, the interim sheriff, questions her decision to move back, readers won’t question her ability to solve multiple murders. She’s a woman we can root for as she unearths the past one clue at a time. I’m really looking forward to spending time with this new series.
September 23, 2020
Collier, Washington is a small, rural town nestled in the mountains, and the residents are harboring quite a few dangerous secrets.
All We Buried is a highly atmospheric mystery. This is the kind of story where the setting comes alive, becoming as important as the characters. And I loved the characters! They’re all well developed, with complex lives and realistic personalities. Bet is a strong female lead, who manages to deal with her personal demons and do her job well without coming unglued.
Initially, pacing is slow but steady, as we get to know the people involved and the relationship dynamics. As the intensity builds, so does the pace, until suddenly we’re in a breathless race to find answers.
This is the first Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery, and it’s the perfect start to a fantastic new series.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
All We Buried is a highly atmospheric mystery. This is the kind of story where the setting comes alive, becoming as important as the characters. And I loved the characters! They’re all well developed, with complex lives and realistic personalities. Bet is a strong female lead, who manages to deal with her personal demons and do her job well without coming unglued.
Initially, pacing is slow but steady, as we get to know the people involved and the relationship dynamics. As the intensity builds, so does the pace, until suddenly we’re in a breathless race to find answers.
This is the first Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery, and it’s the perfect start to a fantastic new series.
*I received a review copy as part of the Partners in Crime book tour.*
September 15, 2020
Elizabeth (Bet) Rivers returns after the death of her father,to take his place as Sheriff. When a body surfaces in the lake, Bet starts to discover the people aren't who she thought and the sleepy little mining town holds a darkness and secrets. This was a fast read. I loved the mystery and suspense and the twisty turns it took. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
July 14, 2020
She escaped her small town and its bad memories, for the rapid-fire pace of Los Angeles, but Fate would bring her back and put her on the path to discovering the truth behind the nightmares of Collier.
ALL WE BURIED by Elena Taylor brings a small town to life as one woman comes home to face more than just her demons, Bet must face the truth that has long been buried. Dark, taut and filled with suspense, this book makes for a strong foundation for a new series.
Mystery lovers, this is your lucky day!
I received a complimentary copy as part of a blog tour post. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery - Book 1
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 7, 2020)
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Print Length: 301 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
ALL WE BURIED by Elena Taylor brings a small town to life as one woman comes home to face more than just her demons, Bet must face the truth that has long been buried. Dark, taut and filled with suspense, this book makes for a strong foundation for a new series.
Mystery lovers, this is your lucky day!
I received a complimentary copy as part of a blog tour post. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery - Book 1
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 7, 2020)
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Print Length: 301 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This is the 1st book in the author's Sheriff Bet Rivers series, and I am definitely a fan. I read A COLD, COLD WORLD, the second in the series, last year and loved it, so I'm extremely happy I was able to go back and read the first one.
Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers has left her job with the LAPD and returned to Collier, WA, in the Cascade Mountains. She's become the interim sheriff since her father, the previous sheriff, passed away. She can't wait to get back to Los Angeles and the action. But when a body wrapped in canvas is found floating in the lake, the action seems to have found her. She's never worked a murder investigation alone, and her opponent and deputy, Dale Kovac, is just waiting for her to screw up so he'll be voted the next sheriff. The body belongs to a woman from out of town, and Bet must figure out who she is and how she ended up in the lake. As she investigates the murder, she digs deeper into Collier's warped and complex history. Her discoveries make her question how well she actually knew her hometown. Who is the woman floating in the lake? Who killed her? Can Bet find the answers before someone else dies?
This book was a total page-turner! There was action, unpredictable twists, and lots of suspense. The small mountain town of Collier, WA, is seriously the perfect setting for an intriguing mystery! I loved the atmospheric feel of the town, and the lake and mine were fascinating. Sheriff Bet Rivers is a great character and I absolutely loved her dog! This well-written police procedural was a captivating read and I would highly recommend it!
This is the 1st book in the author's Sheriff Bet Rivers series, and I am definitely a fan. I read A COLD, COLD WORLD, the second in the series, last year and loved it, so I'm extremely happy I was able to go back and read the first one.
Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers has left her job with the LAPD and returned to Collier, WA, in the Cascade Mountains. She's become the interim sheriff since her father, the previous sheriff, passed away. She can't wait to get back to Los Angeles and the action. But when a body wrapped in canvas is found floating in the lake, the action seems to have found her. She's never worked a murder investigation alone, and her opponent and deputy, Dale Kovac, is just waiting for her to screw up so he'll be voted the next sheriff. The body belongs to a woman from out of town, and Bet must figure out who she is and how she ended up in the lake. As she investigates the murder, she digs deeper into Collier's warped and complex history. Her discoveries make her question how well she actually knew her hometown. Who is the woman floating in the lake? Who killed her? Can Bet find the answers before someone else dies?
This book was a total page-turner! There was action, unpredictable twists, and lots of suspense. The small mountain town of Collier, WA, is seriously the perfect setting for an intriguing mystery! I loved the atmospheric feel of the town, and the lake and mine were fascinating. Sheriff Bet Rivers is a great character and I absolutely loved her dog! This well-written police procedural was a captivating read and I would highly recommend it!
April 13, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.All We Buried by Elena Taylor was an exciting tale of mystery, crime, and carrying a family legacy.
Will Bet solve this case before it gets leaked to the press?
Bet Rivers
Bet Rivers came back to help her dad out while he recovers from cancer. It turns out it was a ruse to bring his daughter back to take his place as Sheriff for their small town. A significant difference between LA to a small town. Elizabeth has been doing an excellent job with the first part of it. Well, until a dead body comes up in the local lake and that is oddly like a body she has seen in her nightmares. She now has to solve that case and figure out not only why she was killed but who she was. Bet is a proper police officer and a great sheriff.
What I like about her is that she doesn't let what happened in the past reflects on how she treats a suspect. I also like how she doesn't make the other guy running for Sheriff, that is a deputy scare her either.
The Mystery
A young lady shows up in their lake, where nothing has survived and brings up a lot of questions for this small town's deputies. Bet and her team have to try to find out who the girl is while not scaring away the rest of the tourists and not to alarm anyone either. It takes a lot of digging up of evidence for Bet and her team to figure out who did it. I admit I fell for some herrings.
Four Stars
All We Buried by Elena Taylor is an exciting tale for a cop procedural. I loved seeing how crime works from the angle of the story focusing on the cops instead of the sleuth. Ms. Taylor has a great way of doing that in this work. For that, I am giving it four stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to give Ms. Taylor's novel a try.
Giveaway
Prize: (1) Treats from Washington State Gift Package (U.S. Only)
Will Bet solve this case before it gets leaked to the press?
Bet Rivers
Bet Rivers came back to help her dad out while he recovers from cancer. It turns out it was a ruse to bring his daughter back to take his place as Sheriff for their small town. A significant difference between LA to a small town. Elizabeth has been doing an excellent job with the first part of it. Well, until a dead body comes up in the local lake and that is oddly like a body she has seen in her nightmares. She now has to solve that case and figure out not only why she was killed but who she was. Bet is a proper police officer and a great sheriff.
What I like about her is that she doesn't let what happened in the past reflects on how she treats a suspect. I also like how she doesn't make the other guy running for Sheriff, that is a deputy scare her either.
The Mystery
A young lady shows up in their lake, where nothing has survived and brings up a lot of questions for this small town's deputies. Bet and her team have to try to find out who the girl is while not scaring away the rest of the tourists and not to alarm anyone either. It takes a lot of digging up of evidence for Bet and her team to figure out who did it. I admit I fell for some herrings.
Four Stars
All We Buried by Elena Taylor is an exciting tale for a cop procedural. I loved seeing how crime works from the angle of the story focusing on the cops instead of the sleuth. Ms. Taylor has a great way of doing that in this work. For that, I am giving it four stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to give Ms. Taylor's novel a try.
Giveaway
Prize: (1) Treats from Washington State Gift Package (U.S. Only)
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 9, 2020
Collier, Washington is a small former mining town of about a thousand souls. Now it caters to tourists and Bet (Elizabeth) Rivers is the acting sheriff. Her dad had been the sheriff until his death six months previous. Bet had no intention to return home but her dad knew his time was running out and he knew how to lure her back from LAPD and her plans to become a detective. Now, at the end of Summer, facing an election with her deputy as her opposition, she is at a cross roads. The Rivers family had always been the sheriff and now she was the end of the line, not yet 30 with some very big shoes to fill. The days go by until an out of towner shows up at her office to report that he had found a body in Collier Lake while he was canoeing. It was wrapped in canvas and he towed it to shore only to discover it was the body of a woman. A woman nobody claims to know. Who was she and how did she end up in the lake? Collier and its citizens have lots of secrets and they won't be revealed easily. Bet faces her first solo homicide - will she be able to find the truth? One thing becomes clear, she may have grown up in this town, where everyone knows everyone else but how much does she really know and will not knowing be dangerous?
I enjoyed the writing style, the way the words flowed was very smooth and descriptive, making me feel as though I was right there with Bet all the way through the book. The pace was slow to begin with but it gradually gathered speed leading to the second half of the mystery and its conclusion. As for the various characters of the town, there were lots of them and, at first I thought I wouldn't be able to keep them straight but I was wrong. It was just taking the time to get to know them. And their firmly hidden secrets. I enjoyed my reading time spent with Bet and I'm looking forward to more time spent with her in Collier.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the writing style, the way the words flowed was very smooth and descriptive, making me feel as though I was right there with Bet all the way through the book. The pace was slow to begin with but it gradually gathered speed leading to the second half of the mystery and its conclusion. As for the various characters of the town, there were lots of them and, at first I thought I wouldn't be able to keep them straight but I was wrong. It was just taking the time to get to know them. And their firmly hidden secrets. I enjoyed my reading time spent with Bet and I'm looking forward to more time spent with her in Collier.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2020
Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers left her life in LA behind when her father calls for help. His health isn’t up to his job as Sheriff in Collier and he wants Bet's assistance. She agrees to help out, but after her father’s death, the position could turn permanent. She decides to run for Sheriff in the next election but her deputy is running against her. This could get nasty, especially since they have to work together until the election.
When Elizabeth is faced with a corpse, she must immediately deal with her first homicide case. As she delves into the mystery of Jane Doe, she realizes her small town is filled with many secrets. Secrets that can lead her directly to a killer. She quickly learns that nobody can be trusted.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and all I can say is Wow! I read this one quickly. I couldn’t put it down. I love this author’s writing style.
All We Buried would make for a great movie. It’s exciting with well-developed characters. These characters practically jump off the page.
It’s an adventurous ride complete with twists and turns to make your head spin. I enjoyed every minute of it. This police procedural kept me on my toes until the very end. The book reminded me very much of the TV series Longmire, which I also loved.
This is the first book in a series and it’s off to a great start. I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. Another book for me to add to my favorite 2020 book list.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Elizabeth is faced with a corpse, she must immediately deal with her first homicide case. As she delves into the mystery of Jane Doe, she realizes her small town is filled with many secrets. Secrets that can lead her directly to a killer. She quickly learns that nobody can be trusted.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and all I can say is Wow! I read this one quickly. I couldn’t put it down. I love this author’s writing style.
All We Buried would make for a great movie. It’s exciting with well-developed characters. These characters practically jump off the page.
It’s an adventurous ride complete with twists and turns to make your head spin. I enjoyed every minute of it. This police procedural kept me on my toes until the very end. The book reminded me very much of the TV series Longmire, which I also loved.
This is the first book in a series and it’s off to a great start. I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. Another book for me to add to my favorite 2020 book list.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2020
I absolutely loved All We Buried: A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery! If you love a good suspenseful mystery, you’ll love it too! Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers has been acting sheriff since her dad died though she’s not sure her heart is in it. She was ready to take the fast track to detective in Los Angeles, but she couldn’t abandon her dad when he asked her to come home. He passed away shortly after Bet’s return, so she felt she had no choice but to stay and honor his wishes. She’s still unsure about the future when a man comes into the sheriff’s office claiming he found a body in the lake.
Bet follows the man to the lake and the body, and from that point on, you’ll be hooked. I couldn’t stop reading this thrilling mystery! The atmosphere in the small town of Collier, Washington in All We Buried: A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery feels dark and shadowy. It fits this book perfectly. You never know who is watching (maybe ghosts!), and things feel just out of reach. Bet isn’t sure who she can trust; however, she follows her instincts and begins to discern who she can count on in the case.
I did not want this book to end! Of course, all books have to end at some point, and I loved the ending, but it’s just so exciting! The pacing is perfect; the characters are well developed; and the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am totally invested in these characters, and I can’t wait to read another Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery!
Bet follows the man to the lake and the body, and from that point on, you’ll be hooked. I couldn’t stop reading this thrilling mystery! The atmosphere in the small town of Collier, Washington in All We Buried: A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery feels dark and shadowy. It fits this book perfectly. You never know who is watching (maybe ghosts!), and things feel just out of reach. Bet isn’t sure who she can trust; however, she follows her instincts and begins to discern who she can count on in the case.
I did not want this book to end! Of course, all books have to end at some point, and I loved the ending, but it’s just so exciting! The pacing is perfect; the characters are well developed; and the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am totally invested in these characters, and I can’t wait to read another Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery!
April 13, 2020
All We Buried by Elena Taylor is about Interim sheriff Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers who has always had one repeat nightmare: a shadowy figure throwing a suspicious object into her hometown lake in Collier, Washington. For the longest time, she chalked it up to an overactive imagination as a kid. Then the report arrives. In the woods of the Cascade mountain range, right in her jurisdiction, a body floats to the surface of Lake Collier. When the body is extricated and revealed, no one can identify Jane Doe. But someone must know the woman, so why aren't they coming forward?
Bet has been sitting as the interim sheriff of this tiny town in the ill-fitting shoes of her late father and predecessor. With the nightmare on her heels, Bet decided to build a life for herself in Los Angeles, but now it's time to confront the tragic history of Collier. There are many secrets buried in this lake. A very suspenseful mystery. This book was well-written. The author keeps you in suspense until the last chapter of the book. I can’t wait to read her next book. Excellent read!! Thank you to Net Galley for send an ARC for review.
Bet has been sitting as the interim sheriff of this tiny town in the ill-fitting shoes of her late father and predecessor. With the nightmare on her heels, Bet decided to build a life for herself in Los Angeles, but now it's time to confront the tragic history of Collier. There are many secrets buried in this lake. A very suspenseful mystery. This book was well-written. The author keeps you in suspense until the last chapter of the book. I can’t wait to read her next book. Excellent read!! Thank you to Net Galley for send an ARC for review.
February 4, 2020
Elizabeth "Bet" Rivers came back to help her father the sheriff of Collier, Washington and he died soon after leaving her to be the sheriff. This was not the first choice of some others in town or in the department. Almost immediately there is a body found floating on a lake in the rural community that rarely sees homicides. Bet needs to identify the body and solve the mystery before the press gets hold of the story and before the election. The scientist who was exploring the lake and found the body and two former residents who turned up out of the blue at the same time the body was found head the list of possible murderers. It’s up to Bet to figure it out.
I loved this story and the artful way the author weaved the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good whodunnit.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I loved this story and the artful way the author weaved the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good whodunnit.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 5, 2020
Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers had her law enforcement career planned, take the detective exam at LAPD and gradually move up the ladder. When she received a call from her father, Lake Collier Sheriff Earle Rivers, her plans changed. He needed her help while he underwent chemo treatments…but then suddenly he was gone and she was the interim sheriff. When a scientist discovers a body in the lake, her childhood nightmare of seeing someone dump something in the lake returns. Bet is a strong and capable lead character and she relies on the investigative techniques she learned from her father. The suspicious return of the land owner as well as her former lover make Bet’s investigation even more complicated. As a past mystery seems connected, will there be another murder to solve? A captivating story and I look forward to the next Sheriff Bet Rivers mystery. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
April 5, 2020
Bet Rivers stepped into her deceased father's shoes as Sheriff in Collier and the last thing she expected was a body in the glacial lake. A tightly wrapped female body in a lake where there is no life. This opens up a can of worms going back generations as Bet has to sort through who was responsible for the death. Was it Peter, the scientist who found the body? Eric, her old school friend? Richard? Seeley? And who was she? Bet can't shake a vision she had of a woman being slipped through the ice but that doesn't match these circumstances. This is a well plotted complex mystery that offers multiple suspects, interesting information about mining, and some explorations of caverns that might bother the claustrophobic! This isn't just about murder, its about long held deep family secrets. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An excellent read and Bet's a great character who I hope will appear again.
October 17, 2020
Yesterday I awoke early and decided to stoke up the coffee pot and begin to read All We Buried by Elena Taylor that I had downloaded - and I'm glad I did. The chill in the air was all the added encouragement I needed to continue to read the book for the remainder of the day. The character of Bet Rivers draws you in as she finds herself between two worlds. Her life in LA and then her position as Sheriff in her small hometown. Without offering spoilers I'll just say the plot line and interesting characters that Elena Taylor weaves into this story keep every page turning. And as she leaves the reader eager to follow Sheriff Bet Rivers (and wondering does she end up with him?) I am looking forward to this series.
April 12, 2020
I haven't read Elena Taylor before but after being thoroughly captivated by Bet Rivers, this is definitely not the last! Bet's character is quite interesting. She's a tough sheriff yet she's also giving credence to the dreams/premonitions she has, which is traditionally not something law enforcement would do.
Bet came home to help her Sheriff dad out when he unexpectedly passes. So she ends up becoming the temporary sheriff in her former town. And Bet isn't really sure about being back home in Washington. Her father was beloved as sheriff and Bet is constantly reminded of that and that she went to California, whether it's from the secretary, deputies or even her dad's dog. But Bet isn't letting Collier and its inhabitants scare her away from solving the mystery.
I can't wait for more of this series! And Bet!
Bet came home to help her Sheriff dad out when he unexpectedly passes. So she ends up becoming the temporary sheriff in her former town. And Bet isn't really sure about being back home in Washington. Her father was beloved as sheriff and Bet is constantly reminded of that and that she went to California, whether it's from the secretary, deputies or even her dad's dog. But Bet isn't letting Collier and its inhabitants scare her away from solving the mystery.
I can't wait for more of this series! And Bet!
March 1, 2020
A gripping mystery full of turns you won't see coming. There is a large cast of intriguing characters. Bet is a complex character and I look forward to seeing her develop even more. This small town setting is almost a character in itself. There is a lot going on and several cases to solve. I especially like the author's writing style. I felt drawn in and became totally absorbed in the story. The ending was perfect. Things are wrapped up well while paving the way for future books. I will definitely read the next one.
February 23, 2020
I so enjoyed reading this book. Sheriff Bet Rivers has a mystery to solve when the body of a young woman is found wrapped and floating in a lake. This event opens up her memory to dreams of witnessing a similar thing, only seventeen years prior. As she works on solving this murder, it appears that her dreams aren't dreams, but memories. Great suspense.
A wonderful cast of characters and I hope this is just the first in a series with Sheriff Bet.
A wonderful cast of characters and I hope this is just the first in a series with Sheriff Bet.
October 25, 2020
The story line starts with finding a wrapped body in the river and how the sheriff proceeds with her investigation. The events of the past and present are well sorted out and the suspense is well maintained with many suspects and how they are cleared. The initial chapters have the protagonist doubting herself a lot. As to how the body is maintained without decomposition is not clear to me. Other than such minor glitches the book was very interesting.
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